CHINESE MANUFACTURING, A FIXTURE IN RIVA DEL GARDA FOR YEARS, CALLS ON THE TRADE FAIR TO PRESERVE ITS STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HUB. THE UNCERTAINTY CAUSED BY THE TARIFF DISPUTE REINFORCES EUROPE’S IMPORTANCE AS AN OUTLET MARKET FOR ASIAN PRODUCTION. EXPO RIVA SCHUH AND GARDABAGS THUS RETURNS FROM 14 TO 17 JUNE AS A CORNERSTONE EVENT FOR THE FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES MARKET.
The Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags Around the World program continues. The organisers of the trade fair confirm their commitment to maintaining a strong presence across all major centres of footwear, bag and accessory production. The aim is to deepen market knowledge, build relationships with institutions, and meet with the key players who work in the sector every day. The goal? To provide ever more and ever better business opportunities for those who take part in the fair. The next edition is scheduled from 14 to 17 June 2025.
April provided the opportunity to return to China, specifically to the districts of Jinjiang and Xiamen. It was a week packed with meetings with both local institutions and companies of significant standing on the international manufacturing scene. The agenda included visits to research and development centres, as well as testing and certification laboratories.
Particularly noteworthy was the key participation in the Opening Ceremony of the 26th edition of the China (Jinjiang) International Footwear Expo and the 9th edition of the International Sports Industry Expo. During the event, the Chinese trade fairs and Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags signed a letter of intent, committing to close collaboration aimed at facilitating increasingly productive trade exchanges between Western and Asian markets.
Chinese production is undoubtedly an essential component of the offering at the Riva fair. With key Chinese manufacturing districts well represented in Riva del Garda, buyers and visitors are ensured access to top-tier business partners and a broad selection of products.
Also worth noting is the increasing interest with which China today views Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags. China looks to the fair to remain a cutting-edge commercial hub, helping its manufacturing sector gain access to the European market.
“The trade conflict triggered by tariffs has undoubtedly disrupted the flow of footwear and accessories from China to the USA. Chinese manufacturers are aware of this and see Europe as a market to target with renewed energy”
Alessandra Albarelli, GEneral Manager Riva del Garda Fierecongressi
And for those questioning whether Chinese manufacturing can meet the demands of Europe’s mid-range consumers – beyond just the established mass market — Albarelli responds firmly: “We visited a great many companies and met those who develop collections for internationally renowned brands. What we observed revealed a Chinese manufacturing landscape that not only excels in large-scale production, but is also well-equipped to meet the expectations of those seeking higher-end products. We saw with our own eyes workforces ready to deliver on both quality and product innovation.”
The director of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags also highlights another important and noteworthy point: the business model of Chinese companies no longer relies solely on large orders, but is now also open to smaller quantities. She points to their capacity for product innovation: “Especially through the use of new materials that impact both product quality and the efficiency of production processes.”
